Games got underway on Sunday at the Summer Showcase, and Montreal Canadiens prospect LJ Mooney turned heads in Team USA’s game against Sweden. The Habs prospect got a goal and an assist in USA Blue’s 5-2 loss against Sweden.
The fourth-round pick at the last draft made a fantastic no-look cross-ice pass to set up Luke Osburn to tie up the score late in the first frame. The score remained 1-1 until Mooney scored with a top-corner effort to give the USA its first and only lead of the game with just over a minute left in the second frame. The Swedes exploded for four goals in the final period to get the win.
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Speaking to the media after the game, Mooney was asked how he felt about being drafted by the Canadiens and the pressure that comes with it, and he replied:
I couldn't be happier about that. They provide so much support; they're fantastic, and the fanbase is there. I was so lucky to be drafted by (the Habs). Just having them behind me, it's fantastic.-
The 5-foot-7, 157-pound forward doesn’t have a big frame, and being selected by a team that bet on Lane Hutson, who’s not big either, comes as a bonus. Asked how much inspiration he got from Hutson, he replied:
He's unbelievable. I watched him play with the USNTDP 🇺🇸 a little bit…Getting drafted by the same team. I think he was doubted, so having people doubt me also, I think it's pretty cool to have that guy.-
Mooney won’t have much time to rest on his laurels after his standout performance against Sweden, since Team USA Blue will be back in action at 1:00 PM CT on Monday. We will, of course, keep a close eye on that game and report back.
Photo credit: Ariane Bergeron, Club de Hockey Canadien inc.
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